Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #59 Sunday 8* San Jose Sharks Puck Line -1.5 goals (+155) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 3:05 ET - The Sharks are angry off a shutout loss and the Red Wings should provide the perfect remedy for what ailed San Jose yesterday. The fact is that San Jose faced a tough Columbus team yesterday but now takes on a Detroit team that has fallen out of the playoff picture. Keep in mind the Sharks still are in line for the top spot in the Western Conference which would get them home ice all the way up until the Stanley Cup finals should they go that far. The point being that San Jose has plenty to play for here while the Red Wings are merely playing for pride here. Keep in mind the Sharks fell flat at the Blue Jackets after a huge 4-0 shutout of the Penguins at Pittsburgh so that poor effort yesterday was not a total shock. They'll respond today but of course I am not laying a huge money line price (I never do). The value here is with the puck line as we can get as much as a +155 payback with the Sharks by laying the 1.5 goals. Note that San Jose's last 5 wins have come by an average margin of 3.2 goals per game and only 1 of the 5 wins came by less than a 3-goal margin! Detroit enters this game having lost 7 of their last 9 games. 3 of their last 6 losses have come by 2 or more goals and the Sharks have lost their recent visits to Detroit so there is plenty of motivation here. 8* SAN JOSE SHARKS Puck Line -1.5 goals +155

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers @ 12:35 ET - Both teams were in action yesterday and each of their games totaled 7 goals. I expect more of the same Sunday as the Rangers used their hotter goalie, Georgiev, yesterday and the Capitals used their #1 goalie, Holtby, yesterday. Of course that means our "over" has an edge here based on the goalie situation for Sunday. In terms of technical value, note that the Rangers are 14-7 to the over this season in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals and New York is also 6-1 to the over this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Long-term, the Rangers are on a 47-24 run to the over in divisional games. Washington is 6-2 to the over this season when they enter a game having played each of their prior 3 games on the road. Also, the Capitals are 15-5 to the over when they are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 8* OVER the total in Washington

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - Off 3 straight losses and having scored no more than 2 goals in each defeat, the Maple Leafs are in a foul mood (to say the least) here. That said, the Leafs have averaged scoring 4 goals per game in their last 6 games against Montreal and will take advantage of hosting the Canadiens on Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada. The reason I like the over here rather than Toronto is two-fold. For on thing the Maple Leafs money line is too pricey. I don't like laying big prices. However, for another thing, the Canadiens have scored 3 or more goals in 7 of their last 9 games. In fact, the Habs have averaged 4 goals a game in those 7 games and I look for a real barn-burner at Toronto Saturday. Only 33% (6 of 18) Maple Leafs divisional games this season have resulted in an under. Montreal is 6-3 to the over this season when they are on the road and coming off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Saturday NHL 8* Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 5:05 ET - With the Kings dead last in their division it would seem their season is dead while the Panthers season is much more alive. However, in the race for a Wild Card spot, Los Angeles is actually only 9 points out of the final spot in the West while the Panthers are 11 points out of the final spot in the East. That said, hungry LA is the play here. They have lost 6 straight games which ties a season-high and they have played much better than the results have shown. As for the Panthers, look for them to struggle to get over the extreme disappointment of blowing a 3-2 lead and losing to Carolina on Thursday. Florida has lost 18 of 29 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Panthers also have lost 13 of 20 non-conference games this season. When the Kings face a team with a losing record this season they actually do have a winning record. As for the Panthers, they are 9-12 (and DOWN $7,600) in games against teams with a losing record this season. Simply put, Florida is over-priced here and the dog is well worth a VALUE play in this one. 8* LOS ANGELES KINGS

Total of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Friday 10* OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:35 ET - The Wild are off a big 4-1 win at New York over the Rangers last night. That got Minnesota back on track after rare back to back shutouts on home ice. Now the Wild will look to take advantage of a Red Wings team that has lost 6 of its past 8 games and allowed an average of 4.33 goals per game in those 6 defeats. While I do fully expect Minnesota to score well here, it should be noted that they have a big home game on deck with a red hot St Louis team. Not only could they be looking ahead to the Blues, the fact this is a back to back also means their intensity on defense may not be at its best. This is especially true considering they are coming off a much needed satisfying win last night. With this total at just 5.5 goals, I love the value we're getting here with the over. Long-term the over is 17-8 when the Red Wings host the Wild. Also, Detroit has scored at least 3 goals in 4 of their last 5 games. Minnesota has scored 4 goals in 3 of their last 4 road games. I foresee this one playing out as a 4-3 type game. Only a third (8 of 24) Wild non-conference games this season have resulted in an under. Also, the Red Wings are 10-4 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Detroit

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Thursday 8* San Jose Sharks Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - Great set-up here as many will be looking to back the Penguins on home ice at a short price and playing with revenge. However, Pittsburgh is off back to back wins and the Penguins have not had a 3 game winning streak since their long winning streak that wrapped up in early January. In fact, prior to this current 2-game winning streak the Penguins had lost 9 of their past 14 games. The Sharks enter this game hungry off a loss. Since Christmas, San Jose has only lost consecutive games once! That was a 3-game losing streak in mid-January. The point is that you can see why the odds strongly favor the Sharks avoiding a two-game losing streak and the Penguins not being able to make it 3 in a row. Prior to their home loss to Boston, and a bit of a controversial one at that, the Sharks had won 16 of their 21 prior games. Also, San Jose has won 16 of 24 this season when off a non-conference game. Pittsburgh has lost 5 of their last 6 games against teams with a winning record and the Sharks are one of the top teams in the league! 8* SAN JOSE

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New Jersey Devils vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Devils have scored an average of 4 goals per game in their last 3 games. However, New Jersey is allowing goals like crazy too. The Devils have given up an average of 4.4 goals per game their last 5 games. The over is also a perfect 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. Incredibly, those games have averaged 8.6 goals per game. The Senators are unlikely to change the pattern here either. Ottawa has allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game their last 5 games. To their credit, the Senators have averaged scoring 4 goals per game their last 7 games but, again, if you can't keep the puck out of your own net it is tough to win. The Senators and Devils are each last place in their respective divisions. I love looking for games like this late in the season where you have two teams that have faded from the post-season race. These tend to be very high-scoring games as defensive intensity is not at its best as a general rule. That said, this particular match-up fits the bill very well and the recent trending between these teams make this a top situation. Look for both hockey clubs to continue to see their goalies struggle here. 10* OVER the total in New Jersey

Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Wednesday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Vegas Golden Knights @ 10:05 ET - The magic of the Golden Knights first season is long gone. Vegas is basically a lock to make the playoffs but also has nearly no chance of winning the division. Their playoff positioning is almost locked up and that means it is even more difficult for Vegas to stay motivated. They've also seen Marc Andre-Fleury struggle between the pipes for an extended stretch and that is why Malcolm Subban is off back to back starts. The fact is that this is simply not the same Knights team it was last season and they enter this game having lost 9 of their last 13 games. Though Vegas won their most recent game on home ice, that was preceded by 5 straight HOME losses! Now the Golden Knights have to host one of the best teams in the league. The Bruins already beat the Knights in Boston earlier this season and they come into this game red hot. Boston has won 6 straight games and 8 of their last 9. Also, the Bruins are 7 for 25 on the power play their last 7 games. Boston has killed off 15 of 17 power play opportunities for their opponents in their last 5 games. The Bruins will take advantage of a struggling Golden Knights special teams. Vegas is just 2 for 18 on the power play in their last 8 games. Also, the Golden Knights penalty kill has surrendered 4 power play goals in 14 chances for their opponents in their last 4 home games. Tons of value here with the road dog and the Bruins are highly motivated as the Maple Leafs are right behind them for the #2 spot in the Atlantic Division. 10* BOSTON 

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #70 Wednesday 8* Colorado Avalanche Money Line (-) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 8:35 ET - On the surface this looks like a great spot for the Jets since they have home loss revenge here and the Avalanche are off a big shutout win over the Golden Knights. However, this is the time of the season where you really have to scratch beneath the surface to get the true value in games and, the fact is, Colorado holds a couple of key edges here. For one thing, the Avs are fighting for a playoff spot and have made some adjustments defensively that are paying dividends plus they're getting great goal-tending from Semyon Varlamov of late. Conversely, Winnipeg is in a slump and they are squeezing the sticks too tight as a result. Yesterday I had a free pick on Anaheim over Minnesota and it worked out with a 4-0 win. Truly it was a similar situation to this one. The Wild are pressing too much and feeling the pressure while the Ducks are very much alive in the playoff race and starting to believe. Same story-line here with the Jets-Avs match-up. Colorado has won 2 of their last 3 games and has allowed a total of just 4 goals in those 3 games. Winnipeg has lost 5 of their last 7 games and the Jets have allowed an average of 4.2 goals per game in those 5 defeats. The Jets have lost 6 of their last 9 road games. The Avalanche get the job done on home ice. 8* COLORADO

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #50 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - Of course it may seem "tough" to go against the best team in the NHL but, keep in mind, one of the few teams the Bolts have proven to be mere "mortals" in recent seasons is when they are playing the 2nd game of a back to back. The Lightning have won just 19 of 36 when playing the 2nd night of B2B games. A key to the value here is the Flyers are rested and on a home ice and have a big edge in goal. Not only is Philadelphia 12-1-1 their last 14 games, Carter Hart has won 10 of his last 11 starts and continues to play like one of the top goalies in the NHL despite his youth. As for Tampa Bay, they are expected to go with Louis Dominque here since this is a back to back spot. Keep in mind, the Lightning netminder has an unimpressive .896 save percentage on the road this season. The Flyers have allowed 2 or less goals in 6 of Hart's last 9 starts. While this game doesn't mean a whole lot to Tampa, it means everything to Philly. This is a chance for the Flyers, on home ice, to prove they can play with the league's best team. Philadelphia is only 6 points out of a wild card spot and continues to play their best hockey of the season. The Flyers, when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games, have won 22 of 33 including 5 of 7 this season. They are catching the Lightning at the right time and get the upset win tonight. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Monday 10* Top Play Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) @ Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:35 ET - Though both teams have had disappointing seasons each hockey club also has shown some glimmers of hope recently. That said, there is no way that it can be justified that the Blackhawks deserve to be this big of a favorite against anyone in the league. This is especially true when they're facing a Senators team that has been playing quite well for weeks now and is finally starting to see their improved play get rewarded as they've picked up some wins recently too! Ottawa has won 3 of its last 5 games and their goalie Anders Nilsson is 7-4 with a 2.27 GAA and a .935 save % his last 11 games. The Blackhawks had been winning too but they appear to be heading for another downturn now and goaltending continues to be shaky for them. Chicago has lost 2 of its last 3 games and the Hawks were outscored 11-5 in the two defeats. The road team has won 4 of the last 5 meetings between these teams and the Senators are seeking revenge for a 1-goal loss to Chicago in their season opener. Keep in mind that two of Ottawa's 3 recent wins came against Winnipeg. The Jets are a legitimate Stanley Cup contender and I have been impressed with the Senators level of play recently to say the least. Also, the Blackhawks have lost 21 of 31 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Tremendous line value here with the sizable road dog. 10* OTTAWA

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Monday 7* Tampa Bay Lightning Money Line (-) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - We're getting some line value here because the Lightning are on the road and that is keeping the line very manageable as Tampa Bay is a small money line favorite here. Another key reason for the value here is because Columbus has won 5 of their last 6 games. Note that those 5 wins came against a slumping Vegas team that had lost 6 of 8, a slumping Capitals team that had lost 10 of 14, and three of the worst teams in the NHL - the Avalanche, the Coyotes, and the Blackhawks. The point is that the Blue Jackets are a little over-rated right now and, keep in mind, their most challenging match-up was against the Islanders and they lost that game 3-0 and that was at Columbus! I had the Islanders in that game and the same strategy has me on the Bolts in this one! Tampa Bay is the best team in the NHL and they have won 5 straight games. Perhaps most impressive about the winning streak is the last 4 wins have come by a combined score of 20 to 5. The point is that the Lightning aren't just winning, they are crushing teams. Additionally, the Bolts have knocked off Columbus 5 straight times and the Lightning have won those 5 games by a combined count of 28 to 6 over the Blue Jackets. This is the type of domination one simply can't ignore and I am making the investment here on the road favorite. 7* TAMPA BAY 

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #37 Monday 8* OVER the total in Calgary Flames vs Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - The over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these teams. In each of the last 5 meetings the winning team has scored at least 4 goals. The Flames are an incredible 19-5 to the over this season in home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Calgary is 5-1 to the over this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. Certainly the Flames are happy to be back home and should continue scoring well on home ice but I don't expect the Coyotes to lie down here either! Arizona is off a shutout win and they have had just 3 unders the last 10 times they entered a game off a shutout win. Look for the over to improve to 9-5 this season when the Coyotes enter a game off a win by a multiple goal margin. Arizona has allowed an average of 4 goals per game in its last 3 road games. However, the Coyotes also have scored 4 or more goals in 2 of their last 3 away from home. 8* OVER the total in Calgary

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Sunday 10* Top Play Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - With the Canadiens in a back to back and the Panthers playing this game with double revenge from this season's action, many will back Florida at a small money line price on their home ice. Of course that is what has happened and the line is being driven upward. In typical contrarian fashion I am on the other side of this game and grabbing the extra value but it is certainly not without reason. The Panthers have been alternating their goalies of late and that means Roberto Luongo is likely to get the start here. Florida has been outscored 13 to 9 in his last 4 starts. The Panthers were outshot 43-32 by Calgary Thursday but were able to steal the game from the Flames. They won't be so lucky here. The Canadiens were likely to start Antti Niemi here since Carey Price was between the pipes yesterday at Tampa Bay. By the way, Price and the Habs played great in that game (particularly in the first two periods - both scoreless). Had the Canadiens not had a mid-first period goal taken off the board (overturned by questionable offsides call after upstairs review), Montreal appeared poised for a big upset yesterday. They carry some extra hunger into this game now after a tough loss Saturday led to their 3rd straight defeat. Montreal's Niemi has saved 113 of 119 shots in his last 3 starts against the Panthers and has already beaten Florida twice this season. This is a key game for the Habs in the playoff race and they are 9-3 this season when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Florida has lost 29 of 47 (including 7 of 11 this season) when playing with 2 days of rest between games. The Canadiens have won 6 of their last 8 games against teams with a losing record. 10* MONTREAL

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Sunday 7* OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs Philadelphia Flyers @ 6:05 ET - The fact that 5.5 is available on this game is a great value but the juice on the over is in the 135 to 140 range so that is why I am reducing the rating on this play to a 7* rating. These teams just met yesterday and the Red Wings showed their resiliency in rallying from a 5-1 deficit to force overtime. Detroit skated very well and they saw how playing uptempo benefited them against the Flyers. Couple that with the fact that both teams have goalie "situations" here and you have a great spot for an over. With it being a back to back the netminder aspect becomes a key. The Flyers recently traded Anthony Stolarz for Cam Talbot and the Oilers acquisition is not yet ready to go. That means Philly either has to play Carter Hart in a back to back spot here or go with Mike McKenna. Hart struggled yesterday and journeyman McKenna has struggled overall this season. As for the Red Wings, Jimmy Howard got pulled yesterday and Jonathan Bernier has a history of inconsistency and his last 6 starts featured one great one but the other 5 saw Detroit allow an average of 4.4 goals per game. Only 9 of Philadelphia's last 25 Sunday games (36%) have resulted in an under. 7* OVER the total in Detroit

Afternoon Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Minnesota Wild vs St Louis Blues @ 3:05 ET - The Blues are off a shutout win over the Avalanche at Colorado. This is now back to back shutout wins for St Louis and the Blues are currently the hottest team in the NHL. I certainly don't see the shutout trend continuing here. The Blues now face a Wild team that has scored 4 or more goals in 6 of their past 10 games. Also, the last 4 meetings between these teams have averaged 7.5 goals per game. Minnesota's offensive production will be just one key to the over here as the other is the fact that the St Louis win streak has certainly been a product of their uptick in production on offense as well. The Blues have had one low-scoring victory (at league-leading Tampa Bay) during this winning streak. In the other 8 games of the 9 game run, St Louis has averaged scoring 4.4 goals per game! The over is 12-6 this season when the Blues are off a divisional game. The over is on a 21-11-1 run in February games for the Wild. Look for these trends to continue. 8* OVER the total in Minnesota

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - The Stars are off an embarrassing 6-0 shellacking at Tampa Bay on Thursday. While Dallas was off yesterday, the Hurricanes were battling it out with Edmonton last night. Not only is this a quick turnaround for Carolina, they have lost 7 of their 8 Saturday games this season! Dallas also has revenge here as they suffered a 5-1 loss in their most recent game against the Hurricanes and that was also here in Carolina. It is payback time for the Stars. The Canes have lost 14 of 21 this season when off a non-conference game. Also, in games against teams with a winning record, the Hurricanes have lost 63 of their last 106 as they have generally struggled in recent seasons when facing quality competition. Dallas could have Ben Bishop back between the pipes for this one. Also, the Stars are 4-1 the last 5 times they were off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals. Keep in mind they lost by SIX goals to the powerful Bolts on Thursday night. Dallas entered that game having won 6 of their 8 prior games. Also, the Stars had allowed just 1.8 goals per game in their last 13 games before giving up SIX against the Lightning. This is a powerful spot for a bounce back from the road team and I'll gladly grab the underdog value being offered here. 10* DALLAS

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Saturday 8* OVER the total in Colorado Avalanche vs St Louis Blues @ 3:05 ET - The Blues are red hot as St Louis won 8 straight games and a big key has been offensive production. St Louis has averaged scoring 4.1 goals in their last 8 games. The Avalanche have some confidence back on their side after a much-needed 4-1 win at Winnipeg Thursday. However, Colorado's play insider their own zone and their netminding still can't be trusted. Prior to the win over the Jets, the Avs had lost 8 straight as they allowed 4.4 goals per game during this losing streak. The Avalanche have scored an average of 3.5 goals per game in their last 4 games against the Blues. St Louis is 14-7 to the over this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Avalanche are 19-10 to the over this season when playing with revenge. 8* OVER the total in Colorado

Total Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #75 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Carolina Hurricanes vs Edmonton Oilers @ 7:35 ET - The Oilers are off a low-scoring 3-1 loss at Pittsburgh Tuesday but they certainly didn't lose that game due to lack of effort. Edmonton had 39 shots on goal and head coach Ken Hitchcock has lit a fire under this team and I expect them to continue to be aggressive in the offensive zone tonight. As for the Hurricanes, head coach Rod Brind'Amour certainly has his team playing extremely well. Carolina has won 7 of its last 10 games and the Canes have averaged scoring 4.1 goals per game during this 10 game stretch. In the Hurricanes last 8 home games, 6 of them have totaled at least 6 goals. The Canes have scored an average of 3.9 goals per game in those 8 home games. Carolina will be ready to go again here on home ice but the Oilers are going to present a challenge and I expect the result to be a very high-scoring non-conference match-up here. Keep in mind, prior to the game against the Penguins staying under the total, the over was 9-4 in Edmonton's 13 prior games. The Oilers are 17-8 to the over this season in games against teams with a winning record and also 10-5 to the over this season in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Hurricanes are 3 for 9 on the power play in their last two games. The Canes have allowed opponents to go 2 for 7 on the power play in their last two home games. More of the same expect here with special teams play helping to push this one over the total. 10* OVER the total in Carolina

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche @ 8:05 ET - The Jets have scored an average of 6 goals per game in their last 3 games against the Avalanche. As you would expect with stats like that, the over is 3-0 in those 3 meetings. Winnipeg also enters this game having scored an average of 3.8 goals per game in its last 8 games. The Jets are 6-2 to the over in those 8 games and Winnipeg is known for being particularly dangerous on home ice as they are averaging 3.9 goals per game there. The Avalanche are struggling badly and have allowed 4 or more goals in 7 of their last 8 games. Not surprisingly given those numbers, the over is on a 5-2 run in Colorado's last 7 games. In road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals, the Avs are 16-8-1 to the over this season. Winnipeg is 20-9-2 to the over in games against teams with a losing record this season. Also, the Jets are a long-term 20-9 to the over in February games. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #53 Thursday 8* New York Islanders Money Line (+) @ Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:05 ET - This is the perfect set up for a value play. Because the Islanders are on the road we're getting a solid money line underdog comeback price on them even though they're leading the division. The Blue Jackets have a history of success against the Isles in Columbus but that was before Barry Trotz became head coach. Note that the Islanders already beat the Jackets in their only meeting this season in New York. We're getting some line value here also because Columbus has won 4 straight games. Note that those wins came against a slumping Vegas team that has lost 6 of 8, a slumping Capitals team that has lost 10 of 14, and two of the worst teams in the NHL - Avalanche and Coyotes. The points is that the Blue Jackets are a little over-rated right now and the Islanders come into this game very hungry as they are off a loss at Buffalo. Prior to that defeat the Isles had won 19 of their last 25 games! The Islanders have won 6 of their lat 7 when off a loss. The Blue Jackets are off a win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Caps. Not only does that make this a letdown spot, also note that Columbus entered that game having lost each of their 3 prior home games. I sense a road rout here! 8* NEW YORK ISLANDERS

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Wednesday 8* Edmonton Oilers Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins will be without Evgeni Malkin (suspension) and Olli Maatta (upper body injury) on Wednesday. The Oilers come in fired up hot after an embarrassing 5-2 home loss to the Sharks on Saturday. They have had all day Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to feel the wrath of coach Ken Hitchcock since that embarrassing home defeat. That means you can expect an effort full of energy from Edmonton here. Conversely, not only is the absence of Malkin and Maatta significant for the Pens here, they are also off a big win over a red hot Flyers team Monday. As impressive as the 4-1 final score looks, the Penguins required FIFTY saves from goalie Matt Murray to get that win. The point is that the Pens were not impressive at all in that game but Murray bailed them out. Not only could Pittsburgh be a little flat here after that win, the fact is that their unimpressive play has continue despite the fact they eked out a win there. That victory was preceded by 4 straight losses and was the 7th straight game in which the Penguins have NOT outshot their opponent. The Pens are at an average per game deficit of 9 shots on goal per game in these 7 games. The Oilers are playing with home loss revenge here and that is a situation that has seen them win 10 of 15 this season. The Penguins slump continues and there is fantastic big dog value being offered here given the situation. 8* EDMONTON

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #41 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Nashville Predators vs Detroit Red Wings @ 8:05 ET - Overall, Nashville is known for playing lower-scoring games and that is helping to keep this total (5.5) shaded a little low which is giving us great value considering the situation. The Predators are hungry off back to back losses and also have revenge from a 4-3 loss at Detroit earlier this season. As a result of those two key variables, the Preds won't take their foot off the gas here and I expect plenty of scoring to take place as a result. Also, being a non-conference game is a difference maker and only 6 of Nashville's 16 non-conference games this season have resulted in an under. The Predators are on a 21-12 run to the over in February games. The Red Wings also enter this game off consecutive losses. That is certainly noteworthy here as Detroit is 10-3 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. Also, the Red Wings are 11-5-1 to the over when off a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals. I look for Detroit to improve to 5-2 to the over this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Red Wings have allowed an average of 4 goals per game in their last 3 games. The Predators have scored 4 or more goals in 4 of their last 8 games and are primed for a huge, relentless game in the offensive zone as they look to bounce back off B2B losses. The Preds have scored an average of 5 goals per game the last 4 times they have entered a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. Expect more of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Nashville

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #31 Tuesday 8* OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 7:35 ET - The Senators have been scoring very well and are playing with confidence off back to back wins. Ottawa has scored 4 or more goals in 3 straight games. The Hurricanes have been one of the hotter teams in the NHL as they had won 5 of 6 but that was before a 3-2 loss at New Jersey Sunday that has Carolina in full bounce back mode here. Even with that loss the Canes are still averaging 4.1 goals per game over their past 9 games. With the way both of these teams have been finding the back of the net with great regularity of late, I see no reason that each team won't get to 3 goals in this one and, of course, that guarantees us of no less than a 4-3 final. Each of their last two meetings at Ottawa have gone over the total and the games averaged 8 goals apiece. The Sens are on a 23-12 run to the over in a home game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Ottawa is 12-6 to the over this season when off a non-conference game. The Senators are 9-5 to the over this season when off a game they won by a margin of 2 or more goals. The Hurricanes are off back to back unders but previously the over was on an 11-6-1 run in Carolina's 18 prior games. The over trending resumes here. 8* OVER the total in Ottawa

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Monday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers have a chance to move within 4 points of a playoff spot today as they face the team that currently holds the #8 spot in the Eastern Conference. Look for Philadelphia to make the most of this opportunity. Not only is Philly at home for this game, the Flyers have won 9 of their last 10 games. While Philadelphia has been red hot, the Penguins have been trending the other direction. Pittsburgh has lost 4 straight games entering this match-up. Also, the Pens have lost 6 of their last 7 road games! Keep in mind the Penguins knocked the Flyers out of the playoffs in April and the series wrapped up with an 8-5 win here in Philly. This will be the first time the Flyers have hosted the hated Pens since that defeat. Philadelphia also got some measure of revenge with a win at Pittsburgh on December 1st but they absolutely want to get some home ice revenge as well! While the Flyers are relatively healthy, the Penguins Justin Schultz and Evgeni Malkin are both banged up. Pittsburgh has won each of the last 5 meetings in Philly and the Flyers have had this game circled in blood since the schedule came out. It is payback time. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Game of the Week total - Rickenbach NHL Game #17 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - We are getting great line value with this total posted at a 5.5 in this non-conference match-up. Certainly I fully understand the low total as it is based on the fact that the Kings have been one of the lowest scoring teams in the NHL this season. However, this low number is not giving any credit to the fact that Los Angeles has been trending toward much higher scoring games of late. The over is 6-1 in the Kings last 7 games. LA has allowed an average of 3.6 goals per game in their last 7 games. Los Angeles has scored an average of 4 goals per game in their last 4 games. The Kings are facing a Capitals team that also has been trending over of late. The over is 6-2 in Washington's last 8 games. The Caps have allowed an average of 4.4 goals per game in their last 11 games. In the Capitals last 8 games they were shutout once (by the Bruins in DC) but they scored an average of 4.1 goals per game in the other 7 games! The over is 15-7 this season in Washington's non-conference games. Also, the over is 14-3 this season when the Capitals are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Los Angeles is 15-8 to the over in non-conference games this season. 10* OVER the total in Washington

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Rangers vs Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:05 ET - The Rangers are off an embarrassing ugly home loss to the Hurricanes on Friday. Prior to that game the over was 6-3 in New York's prior 9 games. During that stretch the Rangers had one other home shutout (1-0 versus the Flyers). However, in the other 8 games the Rangers scored an average of 4 goals per game. That lends itself to the expectation of a high-scoring game here as the Maple Leafs are in a back to back spot and continue to get involved in barn-burners. Toronto won 4-3 at Montreal yesterday and the Leafs have scored an average of 4.3 goals in their last 6 games. The over is a perfect 3-0 in the Maple Leafs last 3 games. The over is a long-term 22-13 when Toronto is on a winning streak of 3 or more games. Also, the Maple Leafs are 11-5 to the over this season when off a divisional game. The over is 6-2 this season when New York is off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. Also, the Rangers are 11-4 to the over this season when off a loss by a margin of defeat of 2 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in the New York Rangers game

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Sunday 7* Winnipeg Jets Money Line (-) @ Buffalo Sabres @ 3:05 ET - We're getting some excellent line value here because the Jets have uncharacteristically struggled of late. Yesterday was Winnipeg's 3rd straight loss while the Sabres got a win over the Red Wings yesterday to improve to 2-1 in their last 3 games. Keep in mind, Buffalo upset the Jets at Winnipeg in November so the Jets are hungry for a win here for more reasons than one. Prior to yesterday's 3-1 win over a disappointing Red Wings team, the Sabres had allowed 4 or more goals in 5 of their 6 previous games. As for the Jets, they have now allowed 5 goals in back to back games after losing to the Senators in a disappointing performance at Ottawa yesterday. However, prior to this Winnipeg had allowed no more than 3 goals in 5 straight games! The Jets have won 21 of 30 games this season against teams with a losing record. Also, Winnipeg is a perfect 7-0 in Sunday games this season. The Sabres have lost 61 of their last 100 games against teams with a winning record. Enough is enough for the Jets and they bounce back strong here and get revenge for the November home loss as, keep in mind, they rarely lose at home! In other words, road revenge here for that rare loss on home ice. 7* WINNIPEG

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Sunday 7* Nashville Predators Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 12:35 ET - This is the back-end of a home and home set and with St Louis winning on home ice yesterday look for Nashville to return the favor today. Yesterday's goalie match-up was Binnington (Blues) versus Rinne (Predators). Today's goalie match-up is likely to feature Allen (St Louis) and Saros (Nashville). This favors the Preds as Allen is 1-3 with a poor .860 save percentage in his last 4 starts while Saros is 3-1 with a stellar .941 save percentage in his last 4 starts. The Predators have won 14 of 21 this season when playing with revenge. St Louis has lost all 4 of its Sunday games this season. 7* NASHVILLE

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #73 Saturday 10* Top Play Dallas Stars Money Line (-) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - The Stars have beaten the Coyotes 9 straight times! Dallas is expected to have Anton Khudobin between the pipes while Arizona will likely start Darcy Kuemper. Note that Khudobin has a stellar .924 save percentage on the season and has been very strong of late as he is at .925 his last four games. Kuemper, on the other hand, has an .887 save percentage in his last four starts. Also, the Coyotes enter this game on a 5-game losing streak. Conversely, the Stars are off a loss but that ended a 5-game winning streak. In other words, Dallas has been hot and Arizona has been struggling and I see no reason that won't continue here. The Stars have won 8 of 12 Saturday games this season. The Coyotes have lost 7 of their last 9 games against teams with a winning record. Arizona also has lost 35 of 53 when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. In other words, the Coyotes are known for seeing their slumps turn into lengthy losing stretches. More of the same today as the Stars are 5 for 14 on the power in their last 4 games against the Coyotes while Arizona is 0 for 17 in those 4 match-ups. Special teams, goaltending, situational value, etc. all add up to a road rout here. 10* DALLAS

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #60 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Puck Line -1.5 goals (+) vs Anaheim Ducks @ 1:05 ET - Classic case of hot versus not which is why the Flyers are a huge favorite here on the money line. That said, the value in this match-up is with the puck line as Philly is available at plus money by taking them at -1.5 goals. Should they win by 2 or more goals? It is actually quite likely as Anaheim has lost 6 straight games and ALL SIX defeats have come by THREE or more goals. The Ducks just are NOT scoring as they've averaged scoring only 1 goal per game during this 6-game run of futility. As for the Flyers, they are fired up after their first loss in 9 games and Carter Hart will be back between the pipes for this one. I know a lot of Philly's win have come by 1 goal recently but they've averaged 3.6 goals per game their last 9 games and, of course, you can do the math here. The Flyers are very likely to score 3 or 4 goals while the Ducks are likely to be held to just 1 goal based on current level of play of both of these teams. 8* PHILADELPHIA Puck Line -1.5 goals +115

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #58 Friday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 8:05 ET - Three significant edges for the Rangers in this one. Obviously one is home ice. Another is that Carolina is in a back to back spot while this host here was off last night. Thirdly, and perhaps most important, Henrik Lundqvist over Petr Mrazek is a key edge between the pipes in my opinion. Lundqvist has a solid .910 save percentage on home ice this season. Mrazek enters this start having a poor .874 save percentage in his last 4 starts. Mrazek has allowed 6 goals in his two February starts and he had a poor 3.30 GAA in his January starts. He is 3-6 with a 3.28 GAA in his 9 starts against Atlantic Division teams this season. The Rangers Lundqvist is an incredible 19-3 in his last 22 starts versus the Hurricanes with a very high save percentage and very low goals against average. Suffice to say he is very confident when facing Carolina. I know the Canes have fared okay this season in back to back spots but, particularly off a dramatic 6-5 win last night at Buffalo that required extra time, I look for the Hurricanes to run out of gas tonight at Madison Square Garden. The rested Rangers take this game as they are still fighting to stay alive in the playoff race and they know this game is a critical one. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS 

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia Flyers vs Los Angeles Kings @ 7:05 ET - The Kings have a penchant for being involved in lower scoring games and the Flyers 8-game win streak has made Carter Hart's fine play between the pipes a focal point. That is why the total on this game is only at 5.5 goals and there are key reasons as to why I am expecting at least 6 goals to be scored in this one and I am happy to take advantage of the lower total posted here. First off, rookie phenom goalie Hart is expected to get the night off as Anthony Stolarz is slated to get this start. Stolarz played great in his most recent start but his long-term numbers tell the full story and certainly he is not Carter Hart! He'll be facing a scrappy Kings team that is hell-bent on ending the Flyers winning streak. Los Angeles has had a rough season but is playing much better of late. The over is actually a perfect 5-0 in the Kings last 5 games and LA has scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 games. The Flyers, though goaltending has been making the headlines, have actually been getting the job done more often than not in the offensive zone as well. In fact, Philadelphia has scored an average of 4.2 goals per game in their 5 home wins during this current 8-game winning streak. Also, the Flyers potted 5 goals at Los Angeles in the first match-up this season. The Kings found the back of the net 4 times in their last visit to Philly. You can see why I expecting at least 6 goals to be scored in this one! These two hockey clubs are playing with a lot of confidence right now and that means no matter which team gets the lead the other one is quite likely to battle right back and tie it. The over is 14-7 this season in non-conference games for Los Angeles and I look for another one here! 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Rangers vs Boston Bruins @ 8:05 ET - Both teams are expected to use back-up goalies here and I look for plenty of goals in this one. The Bruins are in the second night of a back to back so Jaroslav Halak is expected to get the start. He has lost each of his last 4 decisions and, overall, has not been as impressive in recent starts as he was earlier this season. The Rangers are expected to start Alexandar Georgiev in this one. This is likely for the simple fact of giving him some work and also because Henrik Lundqvist had a sub-par effort in the loss to the Kings Monday. The fact is that Georgiev is no Lundqvist. Yes, I know Georgiev allowed just 1 goal in his most recent start but he only faced 19 shots as he faced a Flyers team that has been red hot and has been very content to play defensive-minded hockey throughout much of their 8-game winning streak. In other words, the Flyers focus has not been on putting pucks on net. They are playing a  more conservative style of late. Today Georgiev will face anything but that in this match-up! The Rangers netminder is facing a Bruins team seeking revenge for a 3-2 home loss about two weeks ago in Boston. When the Bruins are facing a team with a losing record on the season in a game that is past the midway point of the season only 15 of their last 39 have resulted in an under. The Rangers Georgiev is 6-9 this season and has compiled a 3.28 goals-against average and a save percentage that is under the .900 mark. That is even after the strong start versus Philly. The over is 14-8-1 this season when the Rangers are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in New York Rangers

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Buffalo Sabres vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Sabres had a ridiculous 1-0 loss at Dallas last week. Other than that, Buffalo has been an "over machine" for many weeks now. The Sabres just can't keep the puck out of the back of their own net no matter who is between the pipes. Exasperating that situation Tuesday is the fact that Carter Hutton is battling an illness. Note that both Hutton and Linus Ullmark have been struggling in their recent starts. Buffalo's offensive production has not slipped up however and they are particularly potent when on home ice. The over is 8-1 in the Sabres last 9 games with the lone exception being the game against the Stars. Other than that one, Buffalo has allowed an average of 5 goals per game in their last 7 games. The Sabres, other than in that game, have scored an average of 3.5 goals per game in their last 8 games. Also, Buffalo has scored an average of 4 goals per game in their last 4 home games. Minnesota isn't necessarily known for getting involved in high-scoring games but they are fired up off a 4-3 home loss to Chicago Saturday and I foresee them really pushing hard tonight. They Wild will take advantage of continued struggles for Sabres netminders but Buffalo will score their fair share as well as they are at home and looking to shake off back to back losses. Similar to the Sabres, the Wild ran into a defensive-minded buzzsaw in their most recent road game and they were held to 1 goal. However, Minnesota previously scored an average of 13 goals in their 3 prior road games and, of course, none of those resulted in an under. This one won't either! The over is 10-5 this season when the Wild are off a divisional game. Also, the over is 15-4 (including 4-1 this season) when the Sabres enter a game with 3 or more days of rest between games. 10* OVER the total in Buffalo

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Anaheim Ducks @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Penguins on Saturday. That sets this non-conference match-up very well to play out with a lot more offense. Simply put, it is hard to give strong defensive efforts in back to back games when a team is off a win over one of the league's best. The Leafs are likely to suffer a bit of a letdown on defense here. However, Toronto should have no trouble lighting the lamp early and often in this one. Of course that is why the Maple Leafs are a very pricey money line favorite in this one. Where the value lies with this one is the total and, specifically, the over. Anaheim enters this game having given up an average of 7 goals in their last two games! Ironically, the Ducks did allow 7 goals in their most recent game at Toronto as well. However, I do look for Anaheim to have some success finding the back of the net in this one. Frederik Andersen is expected to get the start for the Maple Leafs and he has allowed at least 3 goals in each of his last 3 starts overall. Also, in his last 4 home starts, Andersen has allowed at least 3 goals in all 4 starts. This total is a 6 and the Maple Leafs are a -250 favorite. So, unless the odds makers are dead wrong, Toronto will prevail in this game and considering Andersen's recent performances and the likelihood that the Ducks get 3 goals here, you can see why I am expecting no less than a 4-3 final score here! This is contrarian to the recent "under trending" of these teams but, from a situational standpoint, a barn-burner with plenty of end to end action is on tap in this non-conference match-up Monday night. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Sunday 10* Top Play Calgary Flames Money Line (-) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 2:05 ET - I like to take good teams off a loss and Calgary is one of the best teams in the league this season and coming off a tight last minute loss at Washington on Friday. They can't wait to get back on the ice and atone for that loss. Keep in mind, the Flames were on a 10-2 run prior to that loss to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Capitals. As for the Hurricanes, they are off a big win over the defending Western Conference Champion Golden Knights. That win over Vegas was the 2nd straight for the Canes. However, prior to this 2-game run, Carolina had lost 3 of their 4 prior games and allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game in doing so! The Hurricanes have won just 25 of their 51 games this season and the Flames are 7-0 their last 7 games against teams with a losing record. Also, Calgary is a fantastic 13-2 this season when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Carolina has lost 16 of their last 24 February games and I expect another fade to begin here with this game. Keep in mind, the Hurricanes are also an ugly 6-13 this season when off a non-conference game. We get a short price to lay on a great team coming off a loss here. We get that short price because they are on the road. Grabbing a roadie in a spot like this is a great value and I am going with a top play here. 10* CALGARY

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #47 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Minnesota Wild vs Chicago Blackhawks @ 8:05 ET - The Wild are off a frustrating 3-1 loss at Dallas last night but the Blackhawks penchant for high-scoring games should provide the perfect elixir for Minnesota to get their game back on track in the offensive zone tonight. Going home will also help the Wild. Chicago has been an "over machine" for an extended stretch as the Blackhawks are on an 8-1 run to the over in their last 9 games. Chicago has scored at least 3 goals in all 9 of those games. Of course the Wild are a sizable favorite for a good reason. In other words, if they win (as they are fully expected to) they likely will have to score more than 3 goals. You can see precisely why I expect this game to get to at least 4-3 and that means a solid winner here with this total at a flat 6 goals. Minnesota had scored 4.5 goals per game in their two games prior to losing to the Stars last night. The Wild get back on track here but Chicago continues to find the back of the net as well. The over is 9-5 this season when Minnesota is off a divisional game. The past two years in February games, the Wild went 16-8 to the over. The Blackhawks are 10-4 to the over this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. 10* OVER the total in Minnesota

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #28 Saturday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs Edmonton Oilers @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers have the longest current winning streak in the league with a 6-game run. The Oilers are tied with the Golden Knights for the longest current losing streak in the Western Conference as they have lost 3 straight. Considering that as well as the fact that Philadelphia is on home ice here and you have a great spot to lay the price. Notice I reduced the rating from a typical regular play rating of 8* to 7* for this and that is because the current price range is in the -140 to -145 range. The Flyers are well worth the investment here the way they've been playing and with how strong Carter Hart has been between the pipes. Philly has another big edge here in that Edmonton hasn't played since the 22nd of January as this will be the Oilers first game since the All Star break. As for the red hot Flyers, this will already be their 4th game since the break! While Philly is already warmed up and firing on all cylinders, the Oilers are likely to show plenty of rust in this game after the long lay-off! The Flyers also have revenge on their minds as they lost at Edmonton in mid-December despite a double digit edge in shots on goal. The Oilers are 0-4 this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. Philly is a long-term 20-10 when they enter a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. 7* PHILADELPHIA

Total Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #15 Friday 8* OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins are off a 4-2 win over the Lightning but previously had allowed an average of 5 goals per game in their 6 prior games. The over was 5-1 in those 6 games as you would expect with numbers like that and I look for the over trending to resume here as the Penguins seek revenge for a loss at Ottawa in the most recent meetings. Pittsburgh won't take their foot off the gas in this one and they had scored 4 or more goals in 3 straight meetings with the Senators before being held to just 1 goal in the most recent meeting. Ottawa has averaged scoring 4 goals per game in their last two meetings with the Pens. Senators road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals this season are 14-8-1 to the over. Only 6 of the Sens last 22 Friday games have resulted in an under. The Penguins are 11-5-1 to the over this season when off a win by a margin of 2 or more goals. The Pens, when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals, have stayed under in just 5 of 21 games this season. Look for the lamp to be lit early and often in this one. 8* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Friday 10* Top Play Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - Before the All-Star break these teams met in Nashville on the 19th of January and the Panthers got the win despite the Predators holding the edge in shots on goal. The Preds also lost their most recent trip to Florida as well. That makes this a double revenge spot for Nashville and I am happy to lay the small money line to have the better team in a game in which they are highly motivated. The Predators have played better on the road over the past month as they're 6-3 their last 9 games away from home. The Panthers won their final 3 games before the break but that was immediately preceded by a 7-game losing streak. Of course home shading is always priced into the line but Florida is only 7-7 their last 14 home games and I expect Nashville's strong road play to continue here. Additionally, the Predators are 7-3 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Nashville is also a long-term 24-10 (including 10-5 this season) when they are on the road in a game with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The Panthers have lost 10 of 15 non-conference games this season and Florida has lost 3 of 4 this season when playing with 3 or more days of rest between games. 10* NASHVILLE

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #5 Thursday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Puck Line (+1.5 goals) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Plain and simple the Bruins are overpriced here. Yes Boston is a solid team but the Flyers are red hot right now and the Bruins also might be going with their back-up goaltender again in this one. That said, for Boston to be priced as a 2 to 1 favorite is offering great value to the Flyers. Though I was enticed to take Philly as a huge money line dog here I feel the best way to play this is the puck line. We can get the +1.5 goals with Philadelphia and only have to lay a price of -140 and having the extra 1.5 could prove valuable should the Flyers fall just short here. The Flyers have won 5 straight games and goalie Carter Hart has been playing great and also netminder Anthony Stolarz was back between the pipes at New York against the Rangers Tuesday and he delivered the shutout win. As for the Bruins, the goalie situation is unsettled right now as Tuukka Rask is still trying to come back from a concussion. He missed the game Tuesday, a home loss to the Jets and could miss again here. That means Jaroslav Halak would get the start and the Bruins back-up netimnder is 1-5 in his last 6 starts. Philly is 6-1 SU their last 7 games and the lone loss was by a single goal. The Bruins are 2-5 their last 7 games and one of those wins came by a single goal. You can see why the puck line is a great value here. 7* PHILADELPHIA +1.5 goals

Situational Slaughter - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Wednesday 10* Top Play Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 8:05 ET - We continue with the same system that has worked so well immediately after the All Star break. The key is taking the team that has already played and going against a team that has not and, therefore, still has plenty of rust to work off. In this case, the system is even sweeter because the Penguins got absolutely rolled in their first game after the break on Monday. The Pens got embarrassed in a listless performance versus the Devils. Not only did they work off their rust, they also worked up some anger and emotion for a bounce back performance tonight after that embarrassing home loss. Pittsburgh will be hosting the Lightning for the second time this season. The first time the Bolts got the win. However, not only does that mean this is a home loss revenge situation, it also is worth pointing out that prior to that TB win over the Pens, the home team had won EACH of the last FIVE meetings! The home ice dominance in this series resumes Wednesday as the Penguins take advantage of a Lightning team that hasn't played since the 19th - a span of over 10 days! Tampa Bay is 15-19 (-$10,000) in January games since 2017. The Penguins are 39-19 after a loss by a multiple goal margin in their prior game. The Pens are also 25-14 when playing a game with home loss revenge! 10* PITTSBURGH

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Tuesday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:35 ET - Normally a back to back situation for one team automatically favors the other team. The key word in that statement is normally! Tuesday features one of the exceptions. The reason is that players have a lot of rust to work off when they first come back from the All Star break. The Flyers, in that regard, actually have an edge in this match-up since they were in action last night. Philadelphia got the 3-1 win at home versus the Jets. Not only is Philly now 4-0 their last 4 games, they've also defeated the hated rival Rangers 5 straight times! The Flyers will be ready for this game and will be the more polished team with their passes and overall puck-handling skills while the Rangers certainly could be a little sloppy especially early on in this game. The Flyers James van Riemsdyk has been skating on a line with Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny and this line combination has been a part of Philly's big improvement in recent weeks. The Rangers have lost 8 of 12 this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, New York has lost 10 of 14 divisional games this season. The Rangers are playing their first game in 10 days. The Flyers take advantage. 10* PHILADELPHIA

PA Insider - Rickenbach NHL Game #72 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Winnipeg Jets @ 7:05 ET - Dogs tend to be a profitable play right after the All Star break. This is because teams are a little rusty after the lay-off and that means it is a little more of "anything can happen" which raises the risk that laying any extra juice in these first games after the break is certainly a risky proposition. The Flyers make for a great home dog to back here for multiple reasons. One is that Philly has won 3 straight games entering the All Star break. Additionally the home team has won each of the last 6 meetings between these teams. Overall Philadelphia has won 7 of its last 10 meetings with the Jets. As for Winnipeg, they enter this game having lost 3 of their last 4 road games. With a perceived tougher game on deck at Boston tomorrow night for the Jets, they get caught looking right past a Flyers team that is a dangerous home dog in this spot. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #31 Wednesday 10* Top Play Washington Capitals Money Line (+) @ Toronto Maple Leafs @ 7:35 ET - When you lose a game 7-6 in OT because you blew a late 2-goal lead including allowing the tying goal in, literally, the final second of the game you are going to be fired up. That is the case with the Capitals here as that is how they lost last night's game against the Sharks. The defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Caps, have now lost 6 straight games! This is their worst losing streak in the past 5 years! However, I am expecting a big bounce back effort here for Washington on the final day of NHL action prior to the All Star break. This is a phenomenal value spot for the Capitals. Though the Caps have won only 3 of their last 9 games, the Maple Leafs also have won just 3 of their last 10 games. Also, home ice is always factored in the hockey money lines but this is where the value really comes in here. Toronto has been a much better team on the road compared to at home this season. Also, the Capitals have been a better road team than home team thus far this season. The point is that we're getting big dog value here with Washington when you consider that the Leafs are basically a .500 team at home this season while the Capitals are 4 games over .500 on the road this season! The Caps did lose at home against the Leafs in October and the Capitals have won 63 of their last 96 when playing with revenge. Toronto has lost 6 of its last 7 home games. More of the same here. 10* WASHINGTON

Game of the Week total - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Calgary Flames vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 9:05 ET - Carolina has played 10 games since the calendar turned the page to 2019 and only 2 of the 10 have resulted in an under. Not only are the Hurricanes 7-2-1 to the over in their last 10 games, the Flames also come into this game on a hot "over" streak! Calgary is 10-1 to the over in their last 11 games. The Hurricanes have done a great job of generating shots on goal this season. The Flames have been red hot on the power play and certainly are going to be ultra aggressive all game long here in a match-up that is their final one before the All Star break. The Flames recent stretch of 11 games is not featuring match-ups just "sneaking" over the total either. Those 11 games dating back to December 31st have averaged 8.2 goals per game! Likewise, the Hurricanes 10 games this month are averaging 7.4 goals per game! Yes this total is a lofty one at 6.5 but it is absolutely justified as it is hard to foresee either team being held below 3 goals in this one. In fact, the Canes have scored at least 4 goals in 7 of their last 10 games. The Flames have scored at least 4 goals in 9 of their last 11 games and have not been held below 3 goals in ANY of those 11 games. Non-conference match-ups also have a tendency to be higher scoring and I look for a wild one at the Saddledome tonight in Alberta. 10* OVER the total in Calgary 

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #14 Monday 10* Top Play Los Angeles Kings Money Line (+) vs St Louis Blues @ 4:05 ET - While the Blues are off a win plus have another game on deck at Anaheim Wednesday, this is the final game for the Kings until after the All Star break. Not only that, Los Angeles is off an embarrassing loss at Colorado Saturday that saw them get pummeled in a 7-1 loss. That is certainly noteworthy here as the Kings are 8-2 this season the last 10 times they have entered a game off a loss by a margin of 3 or more goals. Look for a huge bounce back effort from an LA team that is very hungry to erase the bitter taste of that ugly loss to the Avalanche. The Kings know they won't have another chance to get another W until February 2nd! In other words, Los Angeles is sure to "leave it all on the ice" in this one particularly since this game is at home. The Blues have lost their last two road games by a combined score of 7 to 3. St Louis is 3-7 this season in road games with a posted total of 5.5 goals. The Kings are 11-3 the last 14 times they've been off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. Big bounce back here for the home dog. 10* LOS ANGELES KINGS

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Monday 8* OVER the total in Colorado Avalanche vs Nashville Predators @ 3:05 ET - I know this series has a history of unders but the recent form of these two hockey clubs suggests we should see plenty of goals in this one. The Avalanche are on a 6-1-1 run to the over including a perfect 3-0 to the over in home games as Colorado has erupted for 17 goals in those 3 home contests. As for the Predators, they're not getting their typical strong goaltending of late. Also, on the season, Nashville is known for being much more stingy defensively in home games compared to on the road. The Preds enter this game on a 4-0-2 run to the over in their last 6 games and have allowed an average of 4 goals per game in those 6 games. On the road the Predators have been scoring very well as they've averaged 4 goals per game in their last 7 games away from home. The way these two teams are going it would not surprise me see each team get at least 4 goals and, certainly at a minimum each team should get to 3 markers. Of course that guarantees us of no less than a 4-3 final and a winning ticket. Nashville is on a 5-1 run to the over when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on home ice. The Avalanche over improves to 14-8 this season in games against teams with a winning record. 8* OVER the total in Colorado

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Anaheim Ducks @ 3:05 ET - I am well aware of the fact that both these hockey clubs have been trending under of late but that has led to situational value here with this total posted at just 5.5 goals. The Ducks are off back to back wins and have scored 3 goals in each victory but are in a back to back here. That means a rusty Chad Johnson is likely to get the start between the pipes. Johnson hasn't started since mid-December and in his last 4 appearances (2 starts) he has a poor .875 save percentage. As for the Islanders, they are off a huge emotional win at Washington in head coach Barry Trotz first visit back to DC since leading the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in June. While I expect the Isles to enjoy success against a rusty Johnson, I also expect the Islanders to be a little sluggish and less intense on defense after their huge effort against the Caps. As a result, the Ducks (surging with confidence after back to back wins) should get some very high-quality scoring chances in this one. Anaheim is 26-13 to the over in Sunday games (including 7-3 to the over this season). New York is on a 15-7 run to the over in Sunday games plus 7-3 to the over when they are off a shutout win. 10* OVER the total in the New York Islanders game

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #1 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs Washington Capitals @ 12:35 ET - The Capitals are in bounce back mode after a 2-0 home loss to the Islanders on Friday. The Blackhawks are likely to be the perfect host for Washington to bounce back against in terms of getting their offensive production going again. Chicago has gone over the total in 6 straight games and they've allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game their last 8 games. The last 6 games between the Blackhawks and Caps have resulted in 0 unders. Yes this is a big total for Sunday's match-up but, in addition to giving up goals in bunches, Chicago has been solid in the offensive zone as they've averaged 3.7 goals per game their last 6 games. The Capitals have been struggling to score goals but they've faced a tough slate of opponents. On Sunday, Washington will take advantage of facing a weaker foe and the Caps get back on track but look for the Blackhawks to match them goal for goal. I would not be surprised to see a 4-4 type game that is decided in OT or the shootout. Worst case scenario should be a 3-3 type game which, of course, would result in a winning ticket (4-3 final) as well. 8* OVER the total in Chicago

Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #69 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:05 ET - If you ever want to see what it looks like when a team truly "leaves it all on the ice" you should see that Saturday night with the Flyers at Montreal. Due to Philadelphia's bye week being scheduled just prior to the All Star break this is the Flyers final game until January 28th! Philly also has had two days off coming into this one and is looking to make it 3 straight wins prior to their extended break. The Canadiens also have been playing well and are on an even longer winning streak. However, Montreal's scheduling situation is a tough one as they were at Columbus last night. The Habs get a big 4-1 upset win at Columbus last night and have now been outshot by a combined 131-76 margin in their last 3 games. That makes this the ideal spot to fade Montreal. Even though the Canadiens have gotten strong goaltending of late from both Niemi and Price, Flyers rookie Carter Hart has been playing great between the pipes and the rested Flyers hold a huge scheduling edge here. Additionally, Philadelphia has won each of their last 4 meetings with the Habs. Prior to yesterday's win, the Canadiens were 0-3 this season when they entered a game on a winning streak of 3 or more games. On their longest winning streak of the season but in a tough scheduling situation tonight, Montreal falls short in this one to a very hungry and aggressive Flyers team. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Friday 7* Toronto Maple Leafs Money Line (-) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are off a hellish stretch at home that saw them practically booed off of the ice. They needed this road trip and they didn't come down to Florida to split they came down to get both. Yes, this is a back to back game for Toronto but the Maple Leafs have won 4 of 6 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back. Also, with last night's win at Tampa Bay, the road team is now 8-1 in the Leafs last 9 games. As for the Panthers, they've lost 7 straight games. Most concerning is that 3 of the last 5 losses have come by a 4-goal margin. The point is that Florida is not just losing, they're getting blasted. Also concerning is that Roberto Luongo is likely to get the start and the aging veteran is in a helluva slump. The Panthers are 0-4 in his last 4 starts and he has an ugly .868 save percentage during this rough stretch. Florida has lost 15 of 23 games this season against teams with a winning record while Toronto has won 15 of 24 games this season against teams with a losing record. Also, the Maple Leafs have won 15 of 21 road game with a posted total of 6 or more goals this season. The Panthers have won just 2 of their last 6 home games and one of those wins was against the Leafs. The Maple Leafs have now lost each of their last 4 visits to Florida and each of the last 3 defeats have come by a single goal. They're not settling for anything less than 2 points tonight and their strong road play (2nd most road wins in NHL - only TB has more) will be too much for a Panthers team whose 8 home wins puts them in the cellar of the NHL for home victories on the season. Will reduce the rating due to the mid-range price here but love the Maple Leafs in this spot on the money line. 7* TORONTO

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #39 Thursday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This is phenomenal line value on one of the best teams in the NHL. Yes, the Jets did knock the Predators out of the post-season last May but the Preds already got revenge for that with a shutout win in Nashville in October. In fact, that game truly sets this up as a revenge game for Winnipeg. The Jets remember all too well that shutout loss at Nashville early this season and are hungry for revenge. Also, while both these teams are off key wins against strong opponents, note that the Predators played nearly the perfect game versus the Capitals while the Jets know they were very fortunate to beat the Golden Knights Tuesday as they were outshot 44-27 in that game. As a result, Winnipeg knows they must play much better here, they must make up for the shutout loss at Nashville earlier this season, and they need to protect their lead at the top of the division. The fact the Jets catch the Predators off a win over the Stanley Cup Champion Caps is simply an added bonus to the value in this spot. Keep in mind too that the Preds, prior to that win, had lost 11 of their 16 previous games. As for Winnipeg, they've been one of the hottest teams in the league the past month and a half. The Jets have won 17 of their last 23 games. It is not often you get a high quality team like this at a +140 range underdog price and I'll gladly grab the Jets in this superb spot. 10* WINNIPEG

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #24 Wednesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers have won 2 of their last 3 as they try to make a push and possibly still salvage their season heading into the All Star break. Philly catches the Bruins off a grueling game with their biggest rival, the Canadiens, on Monday. Also, Boston has a game tomorrow night (versus St Louis) that certainly they may look ahead to considering the Flyers have the worst record in the NHL right now. This game truly falls into "trap game" territory for the Bruins and the Philly scheduling situation is much better. Philly is at home again tonight, just like Monday, and their next game is not until Saturday. The home team is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams and the Flyers have won 2 of their last 3 on home ice against the Bruins. Long-term Boston is 71-95 in road games with posted total of 6 or more goals. The Flyers outshot the Bruins in Boston in October but lost 3-0. It is payback time here. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #22 Wednesday NHL 8* Ottawa Senators Money Line (+) vs Colorado Avalanche @ 7:05 ET - The value is off the charts in this game. The Avalanche road record is very similar to the Senators home ice record and yet the line on this game has Colorado as a very high-priced favorite. Keep in mind, the Avs are off a big win at Toronto Monday which certainly could leave them a little flat here. Also, that victory was preceded by the Avalanche having lost 9 of their 10 prior games. The Avs just do not merit this high of a money line price on the road. Sure the Senators have struggled this season but they've actually won 2 of their last 3 games overall and also have won 50% of their home games since mid-October. In other words, getting a big plus money return on a team that truly has a 50% chance of winning the game is a great value proposition. Also, note that Colorado has lost 14 of 21 games this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. The Senators are a perfect 4-0 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. 8* OTTAWA

Early Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Tuesday 10* Top Play Anaheim Ducks Money Line (-) @ Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - The Ducks have lost 10 straight games (6 in regulation and 4 post-regulation). That said, most won't be backing Anaheim in a spot like this. But, ladies and gentlemen, why do you think the odds makers made this game a pick'em on the money line even though the Red Wings have a couple wins in their last five games and are on home ice? Of course it is because they will not be surprised, just like I won't, when the Ducks snap their skid and win this game. For one thing Detroit has been mired in nearly just as awful of a stretch as Anaheim has. However, with Red Wings off huge upset win at Minnesota and Anaheim off a tough OT loss at Winnipeg, you know will be hungrier here. That said, hunger certainly matters in a rather "even match-up" like this. The Ducks want it more and will be harder on the puck, stronger on the forecheck and backcheck, and overall be much more "dialed in" then the Red Wings in this one. Detroit does have revenge here but they've actually lost 20 of 30 this season when playing with revenge. The Ducks have won 36 of 58 when off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. 10* ANAHEIM

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Tuesday 8* OVER the total in New York Islanders vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Blues are off a huge win at Washington last night. Of course defeating the Stanley Cup champs is always a big win and, ironically, St Louis again is facing the Islanders in their very next game after beating the Capitals. The last time this happened it resulted in a 4-3 game that flew over the total and I expect a similar result here. The Blues will have hot goalie Jordan Binnington between the pipes but off the big win last night St Louis may not be as strong in front of the netminder in this back to back situation. The Islanders have won 8 of their past 10 games and have averaged scoring 4 goals per game in those 8 wins. The Blues enter this contest having won 5 of their past 7 games and have scored an average of 3.8 goals per game in those 5 wins. The last 48 times that St Louis has played a game with home loss revenge only 16 of the 48 (33%) resulted in an under. The Islanders last two meetings with the Blues have resulted in games totaling 7 goals each time and, given the situation here, I expect at least 6 in this one! That said, the line move this morning on this total drifting down to a 5.5 has opened up additional value here. I'll take it! 8* OVER the total in New York Islanders 

Rickenbach NHL Game #81 Monday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - I am well aware of the fact that both of these teams have been getting strong goal-tending and that this is an "original 6 rivalry" which helps increase the likelihood of solid defensive play. However, we've got a very low total to work with here and the Bruins have been looking much stronger since they got healthier again. The fact is that there is a lot of firepower on Boston and that is going to force Montreal to play "catch up" in this game and take some chances in their own zone and in the neutral zone to create more opportunities in the Bruins zone. The last two games that the Canadiens have played that had a total of 5.5 goals each stayed under the total. However, of the 10 prior Montreal games with a posted total of 5.5 goals, the over went 8-2. The Bruins enter this game having won 12 of their last 17 games and they've scored 3 or more goals in 12 of those 17 games. The Canadiens have won 5 of their past 7 road games. Though the Habs lost their most recent road game 4-1 they previously scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 5 prior road games. Also, the road team in the Montreal/Boston series has scored at least 3 goals in each of the last 3 meetings. That said, look for the Canadiens to "get theirs" tonight but the Bruins scoring depth means they will not be denied either and we see at least a 4-3 game here based on my projections. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Rickenbach NHL Game #79 Monday 8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 7:05 ET - Great underdog line value here. Chicago has had a tough recent stretch but truly they've been playing much better overall and simply faced a very tough slate of opponents. Look for the Blackhawks to take advantage of catching the Devils off a big divisional win over the rival Flyers Saturday. I watched that entire game. New Jersey did play well but truly no better than Philadelphia did and, keep in mind, the Flyers currently have the least amount of points of any team in the league. That said I am expecting an upset here as the Devils also have another divisional game on deck as they are at Columbus tomorrow. Chicago was swept by New Jersey last year and they are poised to get some payback here in a scheduling situation here that absolutely favors them. This is the Blackhawks only game between the 12th and 17th. They'll make it count! The Hawks have won 14 of 24 when they are off 3 or more consecutive home games. The Devils have lost 41 of 70 games when they are off a divisional game. Underdog line value here! 8* CHICAGO

Rickenbach NHL Game #76 Monday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers made a pair of key mistakes in the loss to the Devils Saturday and that was the difference in the 3-2 loss. Philadelphia now will bounce back and take advantage of a Wild team that is in a tough scheduling spot. This one shapes up to be a "one off" game for Minnesota. The Wild are off back to back home games and they have a 3-game homestand on deck. So in the middle of this home-heavy stretch on their schedule, Minnesota makes a one-game trip east to face a Flyers team that has the fewest points in the NHL standings so far this season. This sets up as a trap game and this is especially true since the Wild are hosting a Western Conference foe, Los Angeles, tomorrow night in Minnesota. The hungry Flyers are also seek revenge for losing both games to Minnesota in shutout fashion last season even though Philly held a combined 62 to 47 edge in shots on goal. On that note, the Wild enter this game having been outshot in 6 straight games! Opponents have outshot Minnesota by a combined 41 shots in their last 6 games. Conversely the Flyers have outshot their opponents in 5 of their last 7 games but, simply put, "puck luck" has not been on their side. That has led to solid home dog line value here. I'll take it. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:05 ET - I am well aware that the Islanders are much improved defensively this season as, of course, head coach Barry Trotz has had a huge impact in his first season with the team. However, stopping most NHL teams from scoring is one thing, stopping the highest scoring team in the league when you're off a grueling low-scoring battle versus a division rival the prior day is an entirely different thing! In other words, the Islanders are absolutely going to struggle to stop the Bolts here. Tampa Bay is off a 5-3 win at Buffalo yesterday and continues to surge. Incredibly, the Lightning have scored 4 or more goals in 26 of their last 33 games! It is likely that Andrei Vasilevskiy will be between the pipes here for the Bolts. The Lightning lost his most recent road start 5-2 and, generally speaking, Vasilevskiy is not as strong on the road as he is at home. Also, the Islanders will be ready to bounce back after scoring just 1 goal yesterday! New York entered that game have scored an average of 3.6 goals per game their past dozen games. Keep mind, TB is averaging 4.3 goals per game on the season. You can see from those numbers that this game reaching 8 goals is certainly not unlikely and we only need 7 to be a winner. The over is a perfect 4-0 this season in Bolts back-to-back games and also the Lightning are 4-0 to the over in Sunday games. The Islanders are a long-term 15-6 to the over in Sunday games and back-up goalie Thomas Greiss (pedestrian .901 save percentage in home games this season) is likely to get the start here for the Isles. 10* OVER the total in New York Islanders

NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New Jersey Devils @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers finally got back into the win column with their home win versus Dallas on Thursday and, keep in mind, the old saying "all it takes is one" holds true quite often. With their losing streak snapped and with two home games following this very short road trip to New Jersey, Philadelphia is set up quite well to get back on track prior to the mid-season All Star break which is quickly approaching. The Devils were an early season surprise when they won their first four games out of the gate, they've since lost 27 of 39! The Flyers are seeking revenge for a 3-0 home loss to New Jersey in mid-November. Prior to that home shutout Philly had averaged scoring 4 goals per game in their 5 prior meetings with the Devils. New Jersey enters this game off back to back losses in which they were outscored by a combined score of 9 to 3. That is noteworthy here as the Devils have lost 15 of 20 games this season when off a loss in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Flyers are in the black (positive units) when playing with home loss revenge this season and the underdog is the way to go in this match-up as goalie Carter Hart continues to play well for Philly while the Devils have allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game in their last 4 losses. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Saturday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs New York Rangers @ 1:05 ET - Under head coach Barry Trotz, the New York Islanders have trended under this season. However, the New York Rangers continue to struggle to keep the puck out of their own net and this rivalry match-up continues to lead to high-scoring games even with Trotz behind the bench. The 3 match-ups this season have averaged 8 goals per game. The Rangers are struggling this season but they always bring extra energy and effort for this match-up and they've averaged 4.3 goals per game in the 3 meetings. As for the Islanders and getting their fair share of goals too, note that the Rangers have lost 8 of their past 10 games overall and have allowed an average of 4.8 goals per game in those 8 defeats. This match-up truly has the right ingredients for a 5-4 type game (Thursday's meeting was a 4-3 Isles win). The Islanders have won 7 of their last 8 games and have scored an average of 3.8 goals per game during this strong stretch. The Rangers are 9-4 to the over this season in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals and also a long-term 42-20 to the over in divisional games. More of the same expected here. 10* OVER the total in New York Islanders

Contrarian Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Winnipeg Jets vs Detroit Red Wings @ 8:05 ET - The Jets are feeling the pressure to "get going" again and I expect them to jump on Detroit early in this game and never take their foot off the gas. Of course that is why Winnipeg is a large favorite in this one on the money line. Where we find the value is with the total as there should be goals early, often, and throughout in this one. The Jets are off a 3-2 loss at Minnesota last night and they allowed themselves to get off to a slow start and then it was too little too late for the Jets. That said, they're going to take to the ice with plenty of jump in their skates as soon as the puck drops! The reason is considered a contrarian play is because the Red Wings last few games have stayed under the total and the Jets are in a back to back which means Laurent Brossoit is likely to get the start in goal as he has played well of late. Why the over despite those factors? Before back to back unders the Red Wings were on a 6-0 run to the over. For the Jets, prior to last night's low-scoring loss, they had scored 4 or more goals in 3 of their 4 prior games. Also, Winnipeg has allowed 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 14 games! The Jets offense averages scoring 4 goals per game when at home though. That is why I expect at least a 4-3 games here. By the way, Detroit is 8-2 to the over this season when playing with home loss revenge. Also, the over is a long-term 14-7 in Red Wings road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. The over is 16-7 this season in Jets games against teams with a losing record. 10* OVER the total in Winnipeg

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #2 Thursday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Dallas Stars @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are desperate to snap their losing streak and they actually showed that in their most recent game despite the final score (5-3 loss) at Washington. Philly outshot the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals by a count of 40 to 26. As for the Stars, this game looks like a definite flat spot. They are off a win at St Louis and then face the Blues again at home in Dallas on Saturday. Of course those games against a divisional foe carry more weight for the Stars then does a game against the Flyers. Also, Dallas could also overlook Philadelphia for the simple fact that the Flyers have lost 8 straight games! From a situational standpoint, this is the perfect spot to back Philly. Also note that the Stars only generated 18 shots on goal in their win at St Louis Tuesday! Dallas has lost 35 of 54 games when off a win by a margin of 2 or more goals. Also, the Stars have lost 8 of 11 this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Look for the Flyers to play their best game of the season Thursday. Their next game is on the road and they proved at DC Tuesday that they want the streak to end asap and that happens tonight on home ice. Carter Hart has actually played well in goal for Philly and is expected to be back between the pipes tonight. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Total of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Thursday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Washington Capitals @ 7:05 ET - The Bruins are seeking revenge for an embarrassing 7-0 loss at Washington on opening night of this season. While I feel Boston does have a decent shot at that I feel this game is most likely going to turn into a barn-burner with plenty of end to end action with plenty of goals as a result. The Capitals have scored an average of 5.3 goals per game in their last 3 games versus the Bruins. Entering this game, Boston has won 8 of its last 10 games and has scored an average of 3.6 goals during this strong extended stretch. The Bruins, on the season, have averaged 3.7 goals per game at home. The Capitals, on the season, have averaged 3.5 goals per game on the road. With both teams also getting healthier there is even more firepower on each hockey club than what they've had at other times throughout the first half of the season. The Bruins are on an 8 for 17 run on the power play in their last 6 home games! The Capitals are 6 for 14 on the power play in their last 3 games versus the Bruins. Look for plenty of goals, including from special teams, in this one. A very entertaining game between two of the top Eastern Conference teams. 10* OVER the total in Boston

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - This is a divisional game and, generally speaking, those games do have a tendency to be lower-scoring. However, the Predators lost 2-1 at Chicago in mid-December after winning at home on December 1st 5-2 over the Blackhawks. The point is that this is a revenge game and I don't expect the Predators to take their foot off the gas in this one. Also, this is a front-end of a back to back for the Preds as they are at Columbus tomorrow. That said, Pekka Rinne is likely to start one and Juuse Saros the other. If Rinne starts tonight he is off a shutout win but previously his 3 prior starts all went over the total (11 goals allowed). If Saros gets the start, the over is 6-2 in his road starts this season and also 2-0 in divisional starts - poor .769 save percentage in those. In other words, the Blackhawks are going to score some goals tonight and they have scored an average of 3.3 goals per game their last 9 games. As for the Predators, they should find the back of the net early and often in this one. Nashville has scored an average of 4 goals per game their last 6 games. Also, the over is 3-1 this season when the Preds are off a shutout win. The over is 10-5 in Blackhawks divisional games this season. More of the same here. 10* OVER the total in Chicago

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay Lightning vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:35 ET - The red hot Lightning finally suffered a loss as their shots struck iron 3 times in a 5-2 loss at San Jose. Look for the Bolts to bounce right back here after their first regulation loss since November! Of course that is why Tampa Bay is a big favorite in this spot. The best value in this one is with the total because plenty of goals are likely. The Lightning have averaged scoring an insane 4.5 goals per game in their home games this season. However, Columbus also enters this game playing quite well. The Blue Jackets have won 7 of their last 9 games and they know they're going to have to score plenty to top a potent Tampa Bay team in their own barn. That said, note that the Blue Jackets have scored an average of 3.6 goals per game in their last 7 games. You can see why my projections have this one totaling 8 goals on Tuesday night. In the last 6 road games for Columbus only 1 has resulted in an under. As for the Lightning, the over is 14-3-1 when they are off a non-conference game. Also, the Bolts are a long-term 27-12-1 to the over when they enter game having played each of their three prior games on the road. A true barn-burner with plenty of back and forth action on tap tonight! 10* OVER the total in Tampa Bay

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Tuesday 8* Carolina Hurricanes Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:05 ET - Both teams enter this game red hot but not only were the Islanders outshot 32-14 by the Blues in an unconventional win on Saturday, there is also much more than meets the eyes in this match-up with the Hurricanes. The fact is that Carolina has lost all 3 match-ups with the Islanders this season despite an unbelievable edge in shots on goal. The Hurricanes have outshot the Islanders by a combined 112 to 59 in their 3 meetings this season. The points is that the Islanders have been fortunate to win all 3 and payback is on order here. Also, New York has lost 44 of their last 73 when they're off a non-conference game. The avenging Canes get their 5th straight win and that is the reason the odds makers have placed such a low money line on the Islanders at home in this one. Don't be mistaken as a road victory is on tap in this one. 8* CAROLINA

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #36 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (-) vs St Louis Blues @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers show the betting public a current 6-game losing streak. However, they've certainly been playing better than that fact would lead you to believe. They never trailed against Calgary Saturday but gave up a very late goal for the tie and then lost in OT. The good news for Philly is they go from facing one of the best teams in the league to facing a struggling Blues team likely to be a giving a goalie his first-ever NHL start. St Louis is likely to start Jordan Binnington tonight. He got called up from the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL where he has played well of late. However, Binnington would be making his first ever NHL start on enemy ice against a desperate Flyers team that is going to pepper him with shots early and often. As soon as the crowd gets into it (which they will) it is going to be a helluva rough atmosphere for Binnington. In his only NHL appearances (3 games, 0 starts) he has an ugly .828 save percentage and 3.70 GAA. The Flyers have been getting solid goal-tending from young phenom netminder Carter Hart whom has showed poise and skills beyond his years. The Blues have lost 3 of their last 4 and goal-tending has been an issue for them whereas the Flyers goaltending has absolutely been on an uptick. Home ice and a very small price to lay makes this a top choice investment. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #21 Sunday 10* Top Play New York Rangers Money Line (+) @ Arizona Coyotes @ 4:05 ET - I like to look for dogs when they're matched up with false favorites and, that said, this one certainly fits the bill. The Coyotes are favored because they're on home ice and both Arizona and the Rangers have been struggling this season. However, the Coyotes have won just 7 of their 21 home games this season. That is just 33% and no NHL team has won fewer home games than Arizona this season. Also, the Coyotes are dealing with a rash of injuries right now. Not only are the Rangers the much healthier team, they also will have Henrik Lundqvist back in goal after he was given a night off in their most recent game. Keep in mind, he and the Rangers also are seeking revenge for a home loss 3 weeks ago suffered at the hands of the Coyotes. That was a 4-3 defeat and New York is used to dominating Arizona. In other words, they are hungry for payback here and I look for the Rangers to take full advantage of an injury-depleted Arizona team. The Coyotes have been held to 2 goals or less in 3 straight games and 7 of their last 10. The Rangers couldn't stay out of the penalty box in their most recent game and are ticked off as they've struggled in their last 3 games. Prior to this the Rangers had scored 3 or more goals in 9 of their 10 previous games. If you can't score it is tough to win and New York definitely has the edge over Arizona in the goal-scoring department as the injuries mount for the Coyotes. The Rangers have won 44 of their last 76 non-conference games. The Coyotes have lost 54 of their last 82 non-conference match-ups. 10* NEW YORK RANGERS

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #19 Sunday 8* OVER the total in Ottawa Senators vs Carolina Hurricanes @ 1:05 ET - This is the only total that is currently set at 6.5 goals out of 7 games on the NHL card. All the other games have totals set at 5.5 or 6 goals. However, this is certainly no mistake and I am happy to go with the over here and lay minimal juice in doing so as the under is attracting some attention this morning and I am going the opposite direction as usual. Keep in mind Ottawa is in a back to back and that means tired skating legs on defense and this team simply can't keep the puck out of their own net. The Senators have allowed an average of 4.6 goals per game during their current 7 game losing streak! However, lets not "write off" the Ottawa offensive production. The Sens did struggle in a pair of home games against the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals but the Hurricanes certainly aren't the Caps! That said, in Ottawa's other 8 games since mid-December, they've scored an average of 3 goals per game here. Keep in mind all we need is 3 goals from each team here and we're guaranteed of cashing this ticket as the game can't end 3-3. That said, keep in mind the Senators have scored 3 goals in each of their last 4 games against teams not named Washington! Also, Ottawa has allowed at least 3 goals in 9 straight games! They have some banged up defensemen and injury issues at goalie. I know McElhinney has recently been playing well for Carolina but the Hurricanes are going to get caught looking ahead to their divisional match-up with the Islanders Tuesday and be somewhat lax in their own zone in this early game Sunday. 8* OVER the total in Ottawa

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #4 Saturday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) vs Calgary Flames @ 1:05 ET - The Flyers, prior to Thursday's home loss to the Hurricanes, had not lost more than 4 games in a row this entire season. Look for their 5-game streak to end Saturday afternoon. Not only is there extreme hunger in Philly, goalie Carter Hart is expected to get his first start since the calendar turned the page to 2019. Keep in mind, he was yanked in his final start of 2018 and he can't wait to get back between the pipes this afternoon. Prior to that rough outing he had allowed only 9 goals in his first 4 starts and Hart allowed 2 or less goals in 3 of those 4 starts. The young netminder is ready to bounce right back and so are his teammates. This is a crucial game for Philly to win as the game versus Carolina Thursday was the beginning of a home-heavy stretch for the Flyers that they know they must take advantage of or their season is over. The Flames are having a great season but Thursday's loss drops them to just 3-5 their last 8 games and today's early start (10 AM on their body clocks) will be their 3rd road game in 4 days. Also, Calgary's netminding has been struggling as they've allowed 14 goals in their last 3 games. Grab the Flyers at a great home dog price. 8* PHILADELPHIA 

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #61 Friday 10* Top Play Winnipeg Jets Money Line (+) @ Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The Penguins have won 7 straight games, are on home ice, and they've been priced as a small favorite by the odds makers. Do you think the odds makers are stupid? Of course they are not and the Pens are priced this way because the sharp money (including mine) is going to be on the Jets in this one. Winnipeg is 9-5 this season in road games with a posted total of 6 goals or more. Also, they're playing this game with home loss revenge from November. The Jets are 13-6 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. Winnipeg is also 10-5 in non-conference match-ups this season. The Penguins are off a huge win over the Rangers where they exploded late in the game and erupted for a 7-2 win. However, the Pens are an ugly 5-7 (DOWN $6,300) this season when off a divisional game. The Jets have an extra two days of rest compared to Pittsburgh and the fresher legs get the road win in this revenge match-up. 10* WINNIPEG

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #55 Thursday 8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) @ New York Islanders @ 7:35 ET - The Blackhawks are off a tough 4-2 loss in the Winter Classic played outdoors at Notre Dame Stadium versus the Bruins. Anyone who watched the game knows Boston certainly deserves some credit for the win but, at the same time, the Bruins were quite fortunate. Chicago never trailed until the deciding goal was scored late in the 3rd period (the 4th goal was an empty netter very late). Also, each of Boston's first two goals came on power plays. Look for the angry Blackhawks, whom deserved better (easy goal glanced off skate, multiple shots clanked off iron), to be ready to go here and I am happy to grab the line value of a sizable underdog in this one. The Islanders could be caught a little "fat and happy" here as they've won 7 of their last 8 and are off a win at Buffalo. The Blackhawks, prior to the tough loss to the Bruins, had won 5 of their 6 prior games. Chicago was done in by the penalty kill in the loss to Boston but the Isles are on an ugly 2 for 13 run on the power play and it has been a weakness all season for New York. Also, the Islanders have allowed opponents to convert 6 of their last 19 power play opportunities. 8* CHICAGO 

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #45 Thursday 8* OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Minnesota Wild @ 2:05 ET - The Maple Leafs are going to respond huge after a 4-0 home shutout in their most recent game. Prior to that ugly loss Toronto had won 5 straight games and the Leafs scored an average of 5.4 goals per game in those 5 contests. The issues for the Maple Leafs is their #1 goalie Frederik Andersen is dealing with a groin injury so Garrett Sparks is expected to get the start again here. The Maple Leafs have allowed 3.3 goals per game in their last 4 games and the Wild are ready to take advantage here. Minnesota hasn't been scoring well lately but it hasn't been for lack of effort. Sometimes "puck luck" certainly plays a huge role in whether teams are scoring or not. The Wild will be rewarded for their efforts this afternoon and will take advantage of facing Sparks. However, Minnesota won't be able to stop a very potent Maple Leafs attack that is chomping at the bit after having to wait for 4 full off days since that ugly 4-0 home loss. The over is 5-2 in Toronto's last 7 games. Also, when coming off a game in which they've allowed 4 goals this season, the Maple Leafs have had just 4 unders in 12 games! The over is on a 15-8-1 run in Minnesota's January games. Also, in 11 non-conference match-ups this season, the Wild have had just 3 unders! 8* OVER the total in Toronto

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in New York Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:05 ET - The over is 8-1 the last 9 meetings between these teams and that includes all 4 meetings last season going over the total. Also, Pittsburgh enters this game on a red hot winning streak of 6 straight and they've averaged 4.7 goals in their last 3 victories. As for the Rangers, they are off a 2-1 win at St Louis but previously had scored at least 3 goals in 9 of their 10 prior games. The point is that you can see why New York can be expected to get at least 3 goals here but they're not going to stop the red-hot Penguins from getting at least 3 markers as well. The point is a game can't end 3-3 and I feel strongly we're going to see at least 7 goals scored here based on the recent history in match-ups between these division rivals. Also note that the over is 28-11-2 when the Penguins are on a winning streak of 3 or more games. The over is also 14-7-2 in Rangers January games the past two seasons. 8* OVER the total in New York Rangers

Game of the Week Total - Rickenbach NHL Game #33 Wednesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Detroit Red Wings vs Calgary Flames @ 7:05 ET - Both match-ups between these non-conference foes last season went over the total with each game totaling at least 9 goals. Also, the Red Wings are on a 4-0 run to the over as they've allowed 4.8 goals in those 4 contests. While Detroit is struggling to keep the puck out of their own net, Calgary is off an 8-5 win versus San Jose. That was the 6th time in their last 11 games that the Flames have scored 4 or more goals. Overall, Calgary is scoring an average of 3.8 goals their last 9 games. The Flames are 3-0 to the over in their last 3 games and those 3 contests total an incredible 35 goals! The Red Wings are 7-3 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Detroit

NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Tuesday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:35 ET - Perfect set-up here as the Predators are off a big road win at Washington last night as they took down the Stanley Cup Champion Capitals by a count of 6-3. While Nashville could get caught still celebrating that big road win, the hungry Flyers are sure to give a very workmanlike effort here as they are off a 3rd straight loss. While Philadelphia had been playing well since the coaching change that certainly was NOT the case last night at Carolina and I expect Philly to make up for that here. Keep in mind that Pekka Rinne was in between the pipes against the Caps last night so it is likely that back-up Juuse Saros get the call for the Preds here. That is a significant factor here. While the Flyers also are in a back to back spot, goal-tending certainly has not been their strength this season so it truly is not much of a factor for them. What is a factor is their hunger here and the fact they should play a very strong game tonight and I love having the huge dog value. Why? Consider this...the Predators had lost 6 straight games prior to last night's win over the Capitals. Also, Nashville had scored an average of only 1.7 goals per game in their 7 games prior to the win at Washington yesterday. Does this really sound like a team that should be -200 against anybody right now? Especially with their back-up goalie likely to get the nod here and especially when off a win against last season's #1 NHL team? I think not and am happy to grab the ridiculous line value being offered here. The Predators are 9-10 (DOWN $7,600) in games against teams with a losing record this season. The Flyers get the upset win in this one. 8* PHILADELPHIA

Daytime Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Tuesday 8* Chicago Blackhawks Money Line (+) vs Boston Bruins @ 1:05 ET in Winter Classic (outdoors) at Notre Dame Stadium - The Blackhawks enter this game having won 5 of their last 6 games. The Bruins are off a win but, prior to that victory, Boston had lost 4 of its last 7 games. Long-term the Bruins are 69-95 in a road game where where the total is 6 or more. Chicago is still being priced as the under-achieving team they've been for much of the season. Based on the way the Blackhawks have played the past two weeks, there is no doubt that the value is with the home dog in this one. I'll take it! 8* CHICAGO

Game of the Month - Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Monday 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Carolina Hurricanes @ 6:05 ET - The Hurricanes continue to be hurt by the absence of Jordan Staal. The Canes have lost 7 of their last 9 games. Also, Carolina has had only 1 game in their last 5 where they actually had success finding the back of the net. In the Hurricanes other 4 games they've scored a TOTAL of only TWO goals combined! The Flyers, conversely, have been playing much better hockey since they fired their head coach. Philly has only 1 regulation loss in their last 6 games (a 3-1-2 stretch) and they've also enjoyed success against the Canes in recent seasons. This is their first match-up this season and the Flyers have won 3 of their last 4 games at Carolina. Philly is off a tight 2-1 loss at Florida but previously scored an average of 3.2 goals per game in their 5 prior games! The Flyers also have received a boost in their own end of the ice as Carter Hart has played well in goal since the young rookie got called up in the midst of this coaching change and after the firing of GM Ron Hextall. Philly is simply a different team now and also is coming off of some great performances in the face-off circle and that is a big key as puck possession is, of course, so important. I like having the underdog and going against a team that has lost 45 of its last 69 divisional games including 8 of 11 this season! Also, Carolina has lost 17 of their last 28 home games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. 10* PHILADELPHIA

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #29 Friday 8* Montreal Canadiens Money Line (+) @ Florida Panthers @ 7:05 ET - The Canadiens are ready for this one! This is the first meeting of this season but, last season, Montreal lost each of the last 3 meetings via shutout by a combined score of 9-0! The Canadiens have won 8 of their last 12 games including 4 of their last 6 on the road. The Panthers, like the Habs, are off back to back wins but Florida had lost 12 of their 18 games previous to the two-game win streak. The Canadiens have won 52 of their last 90 games against teams with a losing record. The Panthers have lost 4 of 6 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games away from home. The Habs Carey Price is out for the season so Antti Niemi will be between the pipes for this one and he has a solid .909 save percentage in his divisional starts this season. Florida is only 2-3 in home games this month. Though one of the wins was a shutout, the Panthers allowed an average of 4.5 goals per game in the other 4 games. 8* MONTREAL

Game of the Month total - Rickenbach NHL Game #27 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in New York Islanders vs Ottawa Senators @ 7:05 ET - The Islanders have been trending under. However, New York has scored an average of 3.2 goals per game during their current 4-1 run. Also, the Islanders have allowed at least 3 goals in 3 of their last 4 home games. The Senators are in town and each of their last 3 visits here have resulted in an over. Overall, the last two games between these clubs averaged a total of 9 goals per game. Ottawa enters this game having allowed an average of 4.3 goals per game their last 4 games. On the season the Sens are allowing a ridiculous average of 4.8 goals per game when on the road. Not surprisingly given those numbers, the over is 12-3 this season in Ottawa's road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Also the over is 14-5 in Senators games when they are off a game in which they allowed 4 or more goals. The Sens are off a shutout loss but previously scored an average of 3 goals per game their 4 prior games. I am expecting a 4-3 or 5-3 type game here. 10* OVER the total in the New York Islanders game

Rickenbach NHL Game #13 Thursday 7* Dallas Stars Money Line (+) @ Nashville Predators @ 8:05 ET - Couple of interesting notes here is why should like the big dog value in this one. No team in the NHL comes out of the Christmas break with a longer losing streak (4 games) than Nashville. Also, the Predators have padded their record by dominating Eastern Conference teams. Note that within their own conference, the Preds have gone just 12-11-1 this season. Conversely, the Stars have gone 12-7-2 in their games against the Western Conference this season! Also, Dallas is playing this game with home loss revenge after a losing a tight 5-4 battle to the Predators last month. Both PK Subban and Filip Forsberg are close to returning for the Preds but I don't expect either of them to return to the ice tonight. Those are two of the best players on this Nashville hockey club. I know the Predators are a good team on home ice but sometimes a break in the schedule has a way of throwing things out of kilter and I love grabbing dogs in the first games after a break in the schedule. This is an excellent value spot with the revenge-minded Stars. 7* DALLAS

Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Thursday 7* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:35 ET - The Flyers coaching change and the call-up of goalie Carter Hart has them rejuvenated and playing their best hockey of the season. They won 3 of their last 4 games prior to Christmas. Also, they have outshot the Lighting in each of their last 4 meetings and certainly have deserved better than a 1-3 record in those games. In fact, Philadelphia has scored 5 or more goals in 3 of their last 4 meetings with Tampa Bay. The shots on goal in those 4 games combined tallies a 163 to 110 edge in favor of the Flyers! Yes that is an average of 13 extra shots on goal PER game for Philly. Couple that with the fact that Philadelphia has been getting better goaltending of late and you have the perfect set up for a massive upset here. Getting 2 to 1 odds considering all of the above is simply too strong of a value to pass up. 7* PHILADELPHIA

Rickenbach NHL Game #7 Thursday 7* Columbus Blue Jackets Money Line (-) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Blue Jackets come out of the Christmas break having won 4 straight games. They are unlikely to slow down here. Plenty of motivation for head coach John Tortorella as he used to coach the Rangers and it wasn't exactly a pleasant exit when he left! Columbus also has revenge here for a 5-4 shootout loss to the Rangers in November. The Blue Jackets outshot the Blueshirts by a 38-19 count but gave up a late goal and then lost in the shootout. That left the Jackets fuming and now they get their chance to respond on enemy ice against a struggling Rangers team. They'll get payback here. 7* COLUMBUS

Game of the Week Total - Rickenbach NHL Game #67 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:35 ET - Both teams are in a back to back spot. That impacts the goalie situation here. Additionally, Toronto is playing this game with revenge. The Maple Leafs lost 5-4 versus Detroit in early December. The over is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings between these teams and each one of those games totaled at least 7 goals. Look for more of the same in this one and you know that Toronto won't take their foot off the gas in this one. This is a revenge spot and they'll be out for blood in this one. The Red Wings, in road games with a total of 6 goals or more, have only seen 7 of 20 remain under the total. The Maple Leafs enter this game on a run of 10-2 to the over. Toronto is 20-11 to the over when they enter a game on a 3-game winning streak. The Maple Leafs are also 8-2-1 to the over in divisional games this season. 10* OVER the total in Toronto

NHL Network Crusher - Rickenbach NHL Game #63 Sunday 8* Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ New York Rangers @ 7:05 ET - The Flyers are 4-0 in their last 4 games against the rival Rangers. Philadelphia outscored New York by a count of 20 to 7 in those 4 meetings. The Rangers have lost 7 of their last 9 games. The Flyers have won 2 of 3 since they made the coaching change and got a boost with Carter Hart being called up to the NHL to start between the pipes. The Rangers have lost 4 of 5 this season when playing the second game of a back to back and also have lost 5 of their 6 Sunday games. 8* PHILADELPHIA

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #25 Friday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Washington Capitals vs Buffalo Sabres @ 7:05 ET - The Capitals are off a tight 2-1 home loss to the Penguins Wednesday but things should return to normal here for Washington. Prior to the defeat at the hands of Pittsburgh, the Capitals had won 12 of their past 14 games and scored an average of 4.6 goals per game during this hot streak. The over was 7-1 in the Caps 8 games prior to the loss to the Pens. As for the Sabres, they also come into this game having been involved in plenty of high-scoring games in recent action. Buffalo is 6-1 to the over their last 7 games. Prior to scoring just 2 goals in Tuesday's home loss to the Panthers, the Sabres had scored 3 or more goals in 12 of their last 15 games. Buffalo has allowed 3 or more goals in 7 of their last 10 games. Of course a 3-3 game here guarantees us of no less than a 4-3 final and, the way these teams have been going, I do expect each to light the lamp at least 3 times in this one! The over is 10-4 in Buffalo's games against teams with a winning record this season. The over is 4-1 the last 5 times the Capitals were off a game in which they allowed 2 or less goals. 10* OVER the total in Washington

Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Thursday 8* OVER the total in Pittsburgh Penguins vs Minnesota Wild @ 7:05 ET - For the Wild it has been feast or famine lately when it comes to scoring goals. Look for the former to be the case in this one as Minnesota catches the Penguins off a tough, grueling battle at Washington last night. The Pens got the win over the Capitals and that will likely leave them a bit spent on the defensive end tonight. However, I do like the Pittsburgh firepower quite a lot and this is particularly true when they are at home. In other words, the Penguins are likely to match the Wild goal for goal in this one. This total is a big one (opened up at a 6.5) for good reason and I won't hesitate to grab the over in this one. The over is 6-3 this season when the Wild are off a loss by a margin of 2 or more goals. Also, the over is 6-1 this season in Minnesota's non-conference games. The Penguins have recorded only 4 unders in their 13 non-conference games this season. 8* OVER the total in Pittsburgh

Rickenbach NHL Game #3 Thursday 8* Nashville Predators Money Line (-) @ Philadelphia Flyers @ 7:05 ET - Give young goalie Carter Hart credit, he got the win for the Flyers in his first game. However, though much was made of the 20-year old being calm considering the situation, I personally was not that impressed with his movement and positioning in the crease. I think Hart will be a great goalie long-term but he is still raw right now for sure. He may not even play tonight but, if he doesn't, you have a rusty Michal Neuvirth between the pipes for Philly. Either netminder is likely in trouble here as the Flyers are hosting an angry Predators team here. Yes, I know that Nashville has been dealing with some injury issues and that they're on a road losing streak too. However, I also know how hungry this Preds team is to get a road win and they swept the Flyers last season plus have won 10 of 11 this season in non-conference action. In other words, a big road win is likely tonight in my opinion as Philadelphia gets caught still celebrating Tuesday's hard-fought win. The Predators are a long-term 27-13 when off a game in which they were held to 1 goal or less. The Flyers have lost 10 of 15 when they enter a game on an under streak of 3 or more games. Also, Philly will find the scoring tough on Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, one of the best in the business. Philadelphia also has lost 11 of 16 games this season when facing a team with a winning record. 8* NASHVILLE

Rickenbach NHL Game #9 Thursday 8* Anaheim Ducks Money Line (+) @ Boston Bruins @ 7:05 ET - Anaheim is fired up here as they had been red hot but then allowed 3 third-period goals and lost to the Rangers in New York Tuesday. The Ducks had won 9 of their last 10 games overall plus they had won 6 straight road games. Speaking of success away from home, the Ducks have won each of their their last four visits to TD Garden. Overall, Anaheim is on a perfect 9-0 streak against Boston and those victories have come by a tally of 37-17. In other words, blowout wins more often than not and I am expecting a road rout Thursday as the Bruins are still missing some key players. Also, Boston is off a huge 4-0 shutout win over one of their biggest rivals, Montreal. The Bruins had lost 5 of their 8 prior games before the win over the Canadiens. Boston has lost 8 of 14 (-$5,000) after shutting out an opponent in their prior game. Anaheim is a perfect 3-0 this season when they enter a game having played each of their 3 prior games on the road. Look for the Ducks to make it 10 straight wins when facing Boston. 8* ANAHEIM

Total Annihilation - Rickenbach NHL Game #85 Wednesday 8* OVER the total in Colorado Avalanche vs Montreal Canadiens @ 8:35 ET - The Canadiens are off a 4-0 home shutout loss on Monday. The Avalanche are off an ugly 4-1 home loss Monday. That sets this one up well for a bounce back from both teams in terms of goal production. Montreal had scored an average of 4 goals per game in going 6-2 in their 8 prior games. Colorado had scored an average of 4 goals per game in their 5 prior games. The Canadiens are 6-0 to the over this season when off a game in which they were held to scoring just 1 goal or being shutout. The Avalanche are 3-0 to the over this season when off a game in which they were held to scoring just 1 goal or being shutout. The Avalanche are also 4-0 to the over the last 4 times they're off a loss in which they allowed 4 or more goals. So we have combined angles of 13-0 / 100% perfect in support of a high-scoring game here. 8* OVER the total in Colorado

NBC Sports Network Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #83 Wednesday 8* Pittsburgh Penguins Money Line (+) @ Washington Capitals @ 8:05 ET - The Penguins are seeking revenge here. Not only were the Pens eliminated from the post-season by the Caps in May, Pittsburgh also suffered a 2-1 loss here in Washington in early November despite a 41 to 22 edge in shots on goal! Suffice to say payback is on order here! The Capitals have been very hot but the Penguins, of course, are still a high-quality team that is looking to make a statement here that they are still very much a factor in this division! Pittsburgh had won 5 of 7 before their home loss to Anaheim Monday - Pens clearly got caught looking past a non-conference opponent and looking ahead to this game. The Penguins have won 36 of 53 when they are off a loss by a multiple-goal margin in their prior game. The Capitals could be rusty here as they haven't played since Saturday. Washington has lost 14 of 24 (-$9,200) when they enter a game with 3 or more days of rest. 8* PITTSBURGH

Earliest Cash - Rickenbach NHL Game #65 Tuesday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Philadelphia Flyers vs Detroit Red Wings @ 7:05 ET - The big news for the Flyers is the firing (finally!) of coach Dave Hakstol. Philly has been cleaning house as it has only been a couple weeks since general manager Ron Hextall was relieved of his duties as well. Philadelphia now has a new GM and a new coach (interim) Scott Gordon whom was with the Flyers AHL affiliate. While I do expect a valiant effort from the Flyers Tuesday as a result of the coaching change, it doesn't change the fact that they've got major issues in goal. Finally they've called up goalie Carter Hart but this would be a tough spot for a 20-year old netminder to make his NHL debut! Note too that Hart struggled badly to begin this season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL. The Flyers other option in the crease tonight is Michal Neuvirth but he is just coming back from paternity leave and he has a 3.15 GAA against the Red Wings in his career. As for Detroit netminder Jimmy Howard, he has a 3.59 GAA versus Philly in his career. The Red Wings other option, Jonathan Bernier, has a 4.23 GAA versus the Flyers in his career. As you can see, there is likely to be some "shaky" goal-tending on display from both hockey clubs tonight. Also, the over is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings between these teams in Philly. The Flyers are 9-5 to the over this season when off a non-conference game and Detroit is 12-5-1 to the over in road games with a posted total of 6 or more goals. Also, the Red Wings are 5-1 to the over this season when they enter a game on a losing streak of 3 or more games. 10* OVER the total in Philadelphia

No Doubt Blowout Rout - Rickenbach NHL Game #57 Monday 10* Top Play Boston Bruins Money Line (+) @ Montreal Canadiens @ 7:35 ET - The Bruins are in a tough back to back spot here but, of course, the trip from Buffalo to Montreal is not a long one. Boston lost to the Sabres yesterday but, arguably, deserved better. Give credit to Buffalo but the Bruins did hold the edge in shots on goal and, in fact, now have an 88 to 55 edge in shots on goal the past two games even though both were losses by multiple-goal margins. The result is line value in this spot as Montreal will get some attention from the betting markets considering the Canadiens have won 5 of their last 6 games and have the rest edge. The problem for the Habs is that the Bruins have their number. In fact, Boston has won 4 of its last 5 games at Montreal. While the Canadiens are off a win, it came against Ottawa. Prior to that game the Habs allowed a total of 11 goals in their two prior games. Montreal is playing this game with home loss revenge but that is a situation that has seen them go 18-31 including 2-5 this season! Boston has won 10 of 14 this season when off a divisional game and the Bruins actually have won 5 of 6 this season when playing the 2nd game of a back to back! Grab the road dog value. 10* BOSTON

Total of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #43 Sunday 10* Top Play OVER the total in Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres @ 5:05 ET - The Sabres are in a tough back to back spot here which means Linus Ullmark is likely to get the start. Buffalo is 3-0 to the over in Ullmark's last 3 starts as he has struggled. Overall, the over is 4-1 in the Sabres last 5 games after their 4-3 loss yesterday. The Bruins and Sabres both are dealing with injuries to defensemen and Boston has allowed at least 3 goals in 6 of its last 7 games. Buffalo has allowed 3 or more goals in 4 of its last 5 games. The over is 3-0 in the Bruins last 3 home games and the over is 9-4 this season in Sabres games against teams with a winning record. 10* OVER the total in Boston

Game of the Week - Rickenbach NHL Game #35 Saturday NHL 10* Top Play Philadelphia Flyers Money Line (+) @ Vancouver Canucks @ 10:05 ET - The Flyers are playing for their season here. They need a win on the western leg of a lengthy road trip that saw them begin with a win at Buffalo but then lose 3 straight ever since heading deeper and deeper westward through Canada. After an unbelievable loss at Calgary where they gave up 2 goals in the final minute of regulation and lost just 30 seconds into OT on Wednesday, Philly was a bit shell-shocked and lost 4-1 last night at Edmonton. Truly playing for their future tonight and with two days off on deck, I expect the Flyers to play one of their best games of the season at Vancouver tonight. They are catching the Canucks at the right time as they are off a successful road trip and the last two games of the trip featured big late rallies for Vancouver. Off a Western Conference foe and with a divisional foe, Edmonton, on deck don't be surprised if the Canucks end up flat tonight as they overlook a Flyers club that everyone knows has been struggling. That is the danger of a match-up like this for Vancouver and that is why their money line is priced so low. The odds makers feels pretty certain too about what is going to take place tonight. Note that the Flyers are 10-3 their last 13 at Vancouver and the road team did win both meetings between these clubs last season. Also, the Canucks are 3-7 this season in games against teams with a winning record and also on a long-term 28-50 run in non-conference games! Look for the Flyers to improve to 4-2 on the season when they are on the road and entering a game on a losing streak of 2 or more games. 10* PHILADELPHIA

Divisional Dominator - Rickenbach NHL Game #11 Friday 8* Colorado Avalanche Money Line (-) @ St Louis Blues @ 8:05 ET - The Blues are off a win and that certainly holds some significance here as they have not won back to back games in over a month. In fact, prior to that tight win over the Panthers, St Louis had lost 10 of 14 games dating back to November 11th. As for the Avalanche, they have lost back to back games and that also holds some significance here. That's because the Avs had previously won 10 of their 13 prior games dating back to November the 11th. The win that day for Colorado snapped the only losing streak of more than 2 games that the Avalanche have had this season thus far. As you can see from all of the above, the odds are certainly in favor of the Avs avoiding what would be just their 2nd losing streak of more than 2 games this entire season so far. Adding to the value here with Colorado as a small favorite on the road is that they are playing this game with revenge for a home loss to the Blues (in overtime) earlier this season. St Louis has lost 9 of 13 divisional games this season and also the Blues have lost 8 of 12 this season when off a game in which they scored 4 or more goals. 8* COLORADO